More support for victims’ families urged by mother

COUPAR ANGUS: Woman says she felt abandoned after son Kane’s death and hits out at ‘disgraceful’ lack of help after tragedy

The mum of tragic Coupar Angus schoolboy Kane Morris wants more support for victims’ families and says she felt abandoned in the aftermath of her 10-year-old son’s death.

NHS Tayside has been urged to improve its grief support network following criticism by Laura Ann Gillie, who said there had been a “disgraceful” lack of help from agencies in her area.

John Swinney MSP has written directly to the chief executive of the health board demanding a response to Ms Gillie’s concerns.

Her son was killed by his father, Karl Morris, in November last year.

Ms Gillie, 41, said: “It’s an absolute disgrace. The system should be ashamed.

“I am extremely disappointed and angry at the lack of input we have received.

“This seems to be a postcode lottery and unfortunately we live in the wrong postcode.

“We just get passed from pillar to post.

“I am banging on doors and have been in tears at meetings but just get left.”

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said it was “crucial” that bereaved families received the support they needed to help rebuild their lives.

Mr Swinney said: “The horrific murder of Kane Morris was a tragedy that united an entire community in grief.

“That sense of grief and loss will be most acutely felt by Kane’s family. It is therefore crucial that they are given access to regular, appropriate support to help them rebuild their lives.

“Accordingly, I have written directly to the chief executive of NHS Tayside, to raise Ms Gillie’s concerns.

“I will press for a swift response so that steps can be quickly taken to ensure that Laura Ann, and the entire family’s, needs are met.

“I will continue to support Ms Gillie and her family and I will arrange to meet with her to discuss the matter in more detail.”

Kane was stabbed to death by his father Karl Morris, also known as Andrew, six times at his flat in the Perthshire town on November 11 2018.

Morris had faced a charge of murder but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished responsibility and was sentenced to 16 years in prison in September.

NHS Tayside said it did not want to comment until it had seen the letter.

Kane Morris was stabbed to death six times by his father last November.